An experimental HIV vaccine failed a key trial in South Africa

The vaccine did not reduce the risk of being infected with the virus that causes AIDS

HIV virus particles

Participants in a clinical trial testing an experimental vaccine against the human immunodeficiency virus, shown in blue, did not see a reduced risk of infection compared with those on placebo.

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A vaccine designed to prevent human immunodeficiency virus infection has proven no better than a placebo during a trial in South Africa.